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Economic yearbook 2011
Northeast - Yearbook
St. Augustine / St. John's County
| St. John's Population: 197,563 | ||||
| Population Growth Rate (2007-11): 4.97% | ||||
| Population by Age: | ||||
| 0-14 |
15-19 | 20-39 | 40-64 | 65+ |
| 17.4% | 6.6% | 22.6% | 37.0% | 16.4% |
| Per Capita Income: $46,554 | ||||
 Nick Sacia |
Manufacturing is pushing the economic recovery in St. Johns County, says Nick Sacia, executive director of the St. Johns County Economic Development Council. Carlisle Interconnect Technologies, which makes aircraft electrical systems, and Hydro Aluminum North America are "doing very well," Sacia says. There's also a "couple of major employers we can't talk about right now" who are considering opening a facility and headquarters, he says.
Smaller businesses, Sacia says, also are showing increased interest, and discussions are ongoing with at least one potential new business. Infrastructure and improved relations with Tallahassee are top goals for the county, Sacia says.
NASSAU County
| Nassau Population: 73,265 | ||||
| Population Growth Rate (2007-11): 1.72% | ||||
| Population by Age: | ||||
| 0-14 |
15-19 | 20-39 | 40-64 | 65+ |
| 18.1% |
6.0% | 22.8% | 36.1% | 17.0% |
| Per Capita Income: $44,171 | ||||
 Steve Rieck |
Nassau has lost 4,000 jobs during the recession. Steve Rieck, executive director of the Nassau Economic Development Board, is seeing smaller businesses and local manufacturers — including Diesel Powerhouse and Science First, a science supply company — adding jobs. Nassau should get a boost, Rieck says, now that Omni Hotels and Resorts has rescued Amelia Island Plantation from bankruptcy. "I think the new owners are going to make some significant investments in upgrading the facility that will provide some construction jobs and hopefully long-term jobs," Rieck says. The county has suspended impact fees for 2011, which has sparked some commercial construction. Crawford Diamond Industrial Park, which is owned by Rayonier, was rezoned. Officials hope it will become a major distribution center.
ORANGE PARK / CLAY County
| Clay Population: 195,165 | ||||
| Population Growth Rate (2007-11): 1.71% | ||||
| Population by Age: | ||||
| 0-14 |
15-19 | 20-39 | 40-64 | 65+ |
| 20.9% | 7.4% | 24.6% | 35.2% | 11.9% |
| Per Capita Income: $33,265 | ||||
 Danita Andrews |
Healthcare and green manufacturing are giving Clay a boost, says Danita Andrews, vice president of economic development for the Chamber of Commerce. St. Vincent's Medical Center is building a $115-million hospital near the Duval County border, and Orange Park Medical Center is adding an open-heart surgery center, expanding its emergency room and adding two floors. Alternate Energy Technology, which manufactures solar panels, is building a facility near Green Cove Springs. Andrews says a couple of other alternative-energy companies are looking to build in Clay. Green Cove Springs has a new city manager, Danielle Judd, as does Orange Park, Cindy Hall. And Stephanie Kopelousos, outgoing secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation, is taking over as county manager.
